Soudan du sud
South Sudan's National Elections Commission (NEC) has raised concerns that unresolved contradictions in the country's legal framework could undermine the peace agreement and delay the credible elections scheduled for December 2026.
NEC Secretary General Gabriel Bol Deng highlighted inconsistencies between the Constitution, the National Elections Act, and the Local Government Act, emphasizing the need for urgent harmonization to ensure a legitimate and peaceful vote. He pointed out that discrepancies in the allocation of parliamentary seats and proportional representation could lead to disputes and challenges to the election results.
The NEC has submitted its findings and recommendations to the Ministry of Justice, urging it to present the necessary amendments to the Council of Ministers and Parliament. Deng stressed that without these amendments, conducting a credible election would be impossible. He also commended women journalists for their participation and urged them to use their platforms to promote civic awareness and accountability.
The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), signed in 2018 and extended in 2024, requires elections to follow the completion of a permanent constitution, a national census, and harmonization of key laws. NEC officials cautioned that delays in these processes could jeopardize the peace deal's credibility and the country's democratic transition.
Observers and civil society organizations are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the importance of addressing these legal contradictions to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process in 2026.
